I love impressionism. Many people do. When you ask someone what their favorite painting might be often people will name an impressionist’s work; ie. Monet, Degas, Renoir, etc.

But do you know what invention truly help to develop the impressionist movement of painting outdoors and capturing light and fleeting images? The paint tube! Never would have guess that, right? Before the invention of the paint tube which allowed artists to easily carry their mixed paints in the field they had to use, of all things, pig bladders. Yuck. I’m thinking I would have remained in the studio to paint too.

Miniature Summer Flowers is an oil on canvas panel measuring 3″x7″ and is available for $45.

We always have a lot of fun on Wednesday evening at art class. Last night each student was working on a different painting. It’s great to see the challenges that everyone has taken on. And I think we all learn from one another as we progress on our journeys to be better painters.

I spend a lot of time talking about the color wheel and color mixing because I feel that learning color is at least half the battle in becoming a good painter.

This palette is one of our painters from last night as they continued to mix to find just the right color for a floral painting. The best way to learn is to experiment and practice and that is exactly what this student did. Good job!

Pat has been painting with the class now for a little over a year and has become a very good painter. What I love about her is that she is open to trying anything to learn new techniques and improve her skills. She’s doing great!

If you would like to join us just email me at kwalker@doubledogdesigns.com . I’ll be glad to give you more information. Painting is a great outlet for stress; it’s a wonderful hobby; and in a class setting it’s loads of fun. Come and try it.

Shenandoah Valley View is an oil on canvas panel measuring 12″x24″. This is a piece I started several years ago and while we’ve been weathered in the past few weeks I’ve taken the time to dig out a few old starts and get them finished.

This one is now framed and on display at Delilah’s. Come by and see it.